Celtics now linked to a draft prospect who would be a franchise game-changer

In the latest mock draft from J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer, he has the Boston Celtics selecting Maxime Raynaud with their first-round pick.

The seven-foot-one center from Stanford University spent his senior season becoming the first major conference player since Kevin Durant to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds and make more than 50 threes in a collegiate campaign.
Victor Wembanyama’s former teammate in France generated 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in his final year with the Cardinal. Raynaud knocked down 34.7 percent of his 5.5 attempts from beyond the arc. His 67 threes are the second most by a seven-footer in NCAA history. The only player to make more was Lauri Markkane, who made 69.

With more uncertainty at center than any other position on Boston’s depth chart — Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet may be playing elsewhere next season — Mann states his case for the 2023-24 NBA champions drafting Raynaud with pick No. 28.

“The Celtics have recently had some success developing frontcourt players — Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta — and Raynaud could be the next one. If he were a big who needed to learn to play through defenders’ chests and assert himself in the fray, I’d worry about him finding his way in the more physical NBA. But Raynaud was highly active both inside and outside the arc for Stanford this past season.

Celtics now linked to a draft prospect who would be a franchise game-changer

Maxime Raynaud could help the Celtics immediately and stabilize a position of need for years to come.

Mar 13, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) after a dunk against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In the latest mock draft from J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer, he has the Boston Celtics selecting Maxime Raynaud with their first-round pick.

The seven-foot-one center from Stanford University spent his senior season becoming the first major conference player since Kevin Durant to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds and make more than 50 threes in a collegiate campaign.

Victor Wembanyama’s former teammate in France generated 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in his final year with the Cardinal. Raynaud knocked down 34.7 percent of his 5.5 attempts from beyond the arc. His 67 threes are the second most by a seven-footer in NCAA history. The only player to make more was Lauri Markkane, who made 69.

With more uncertainty at center than any other position on Boston’s depth chart — Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet may be playing elsewhere next season — Mann states his case for the 2023-24 NBA champions drafting Raynaud with pick No. 28.

“The Celtics have recently had some success developing frontcourt players — Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta — and Raynaud could be the next one. If he were a big who needed to learn to play through defenders’ chests and assert himself in the fray, I’d worry about him finding his way in the more physical NBA. But Raynaud was highly active both inside and outside the arc for Stanford this past season.

“If Boston found a way to sculpt a shot chart that smartly balances his ability to body a defender near the rim and pop out for a 3, Raynaud could become a contributor.”

Maxime Raynaud could be a game-changer for the Celtics

Even if Porzingis, Horford, and Kornet are on the team to start the season, it’s hard to believe they will be in Boston by the campaign’s conclusion. The need to get under the second apron before the end of the league year seems too important. The distinct possibility of not having Jayson Tatum next season due to his Achilles tear should make gaining long-term flexibility the priority.

However, Raynaud’s ability to operate in tandem with another big man, combined with the Celtics’ penchant for deploying double-big lineups, lends itself to him getting playing time even if those three veterans are on the roster.

As detailed in Hardwood Houdini’s scouting report on Raynaud, he finishes well with both hands around the basket. He’s also a floor-spacing five and an effective pick-and-pop threat.

The former All-ACC First Team selection even has some playmaking chops off the dribble. He has the vision, accuracy, and touch to earn reps as an offensive hub. He’s also a dynamic center to utilize as the screener and pitchperson on dribble handoffs.

Raynaud’s also a beast on the boards. That’s reflected in his 9.3 percent offensive rebounding rate. The seven-footer’s ability to produce extra possessions will help whoever drafts him earn pivotal victories on the margins.

At the other end of the floor, he’s a drop big who’s most comfortable disrupting shots around the rim. He rejected 1.4 shots per game in his senior year and registered an impressive 4.3 percent block rate.
Raynaud’s not just a realistic option when projecting who might be available when the Celtics come on the clock, but drafting him is among their best-case scenarios.

The former Stanford standout can help address a position of need as a rookie and has the tools to stabilize the center position in Boston for years to come.